Contents: Removal ↡ Installation ↡
Attention! Depending on the vehicle equipment, rubber supports of different heights are installed. When replacing, it is necessary to measure the height of all supports. Only rubber supports of the same height should be installed.
Removal
1. Raise and support the rear of the vehicle on stands.
2. Unscrew the 2 mounting bolts (1) of the spring lever cover (2). Disconnect the cover and remove it.
3. Place a garage jack under the spring arm from the outside and lift it so that the rear drive shaft is horizontal. Use a wooden shim for this.
When lifting the spring arm, make sure that the car does not come off the stands. If necessary, load the trunk.
4. The spring is strongly compressed. To remove the spring, it must be additionally compressed so as to relieve the support cups. To do this, it is necessary to use a special compression device.
Caution! The spring should only be removed when it is securely compressed by the device!
5. Compress the spring with the device. The device should cover 3 to 4 turns of the spring. Compress the spring so that the cups are unloaded.
Note: At the service station, a device is used that is inserted from inside the spring.
Caution! Make sure that the spring coils are securely gripped by the device and that the device cannot slip. The spring is clamped with great force, so only a reliable device should be used. Never compress the spring with wire. There is a risk of accident!
6. Unscrew the self-locking nut (1) securing the spring lever (2) and remove it with the washer. Remove the mounting bolt.
7. Pull the lever down and remove the spring with the rubber support.
8. If the spring needs to be replaced, clamp it in a vice. Remove the rubber support by turning it to the left and slowly unload the spring.
Installation
Before installation, check the rubber support for cracks or any damage. Replace the support if necessary. Clean the spring contact area on the lever.
1. Install the fixture and slowly compress the spring.
2. Install the rubber support by turning it to the right. To make installation easier, the support can be lightly lubricated with dishwashing liquid or glycerin.
3. Insert the spring so that the end of the lower coil sits in the recess on the spring lever.
4. Insert the spring arm mounting bolt and screw on a new self-locking nut with a washer, without tightening the nuts.
5. Place a garage jack under the spring arm from the outside and lift it so that the rear drive shaft is horizontal. Use a wooden shim for this.
Caution! When lifting the spring arm, make sure that the car does not come off the stands. If necessary, load the trunk.
6. In this position, tighten the spring lever nut to a torque of 70 Nm.
7. Unload the spring, making sure it is correctly positioned in the upper rubber support and lower spring arm.
8. Remove the spring compressor and jack.
9. Fix the spring lever cover and secure it with two bolts.
10. Lower the car onto its wheels.
11. If new parts were installed, it is necessary to adjust the headlights (work of the service station).
[Full article available on the resource: MercedesMAN]